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About

Imagine a place where… you live and learn with others amid spectacular scenery

Winter Dawn in the Gulf Islands.
Winter Sunrise in the Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands International Program is founded on the principles of global awareness, cultural understanding, and personalized learning for the 21st century.

You'll be an important part of the Gulf Islands International Program — join us!
You’ll be an important part of the Gulf Islands International Program — join us!

The world is a better place when young people from around the globe work together in the Gulf Islands Program.

With teacher in Library
International students meet with a teacher in the Library

The Program

  • is one of the most popular international programs in Canada
  • limits the number of students from any one country
  • admits only 75 students in total

Students receive a quality Canadian educational experience.

The Program offers:

  • a variety of quality high school programs
  • academic and elective course options
  • university preparation
  • intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, tutor support
  • vocational programs
Imagine a place where students and teachers know and respect each other
Imagine a place where students and teachers know and respect each other.

We are an educated, creative and professional community. Our Program is an educational priority here.

Graduation at Gulf Islands Secondary School
Graduation at Gulf Islands Secondary School (GISS)

Gulf Islands Secondary School

The award-winning Gulf Islands Secondary School is known for:

  • academic achievement
  • top sports teams
  • student leadership
  • outstanding performing and visual art programs
  • exceptional computer technology programs
GISS upper floor between the North and South Wings
Gulf Islands Secondary School upper floor between the North and South Wings

Built of stone, cedar, steel, brick and glass, Gulf Islands Secondary is an 8279 square-metre, modern, south-facing campus-style school.

A campus courtyard at Gulf Islands Secondary School
A courtyard at Gulf Islands Secondary School

Twenty kilometres of pipe collect heat under the playing fields. Forty kilometres of pipe in the school’s floors provide radiant heat. The school has a fibre optics network and a huge solar array on the gymnasium roof.

The meticulously maintained interior is bright, spacious and inviting.
It’s a great place to learn and invites a cooperative, vibrant school community.

GISS exterior across playing field
Gulf Islands Secondary on Salt Spring Island

Unique Schedule:

In 2004, the Gulf Islands School District created an innovative four day schedule. Students and teachers spend more time in the classroom four days of the week.

The total amount of instructional time per week remains the same.

This scheduling has increased student results on provincial assessments. Gulf Islands students earn marks much higher than average on most government exams.

Student attendance has improved. Students are reluctant to miss time away from the classroom.

The four-day schedule benefits international students. They participate in Friday programs like:

  • English Enrichment
  • Eco-Adventure
  • SAT and TOEFL classes
  • Team Practices
  • Work Experience
  • Community Programs

The students receive up to 20% more instructional time than other students in British Columbia.

Important school links:

Code of Conduct
Violence Prevention
Athletics
Brief Course Descriptions

Confident and comfortable in the Upper North Wing Hallway
Confident and comfortable in the Upper North Wing Hallway

Quick Links

Gulf Islands Secondary School
Gulf Islands School District (SD64)
Activity Calendar/Important Dates
BC International Education Resources
StudyInsured™

Application Links

‘Before you Apply’ checklist
Apply here (online application)
Brief Course Descriptions
Canadian Study Permit website
Custodial Declaration Requirements
Grade 9 Course Selections
Grade 10 Course Selections
Grade 11 Course Selections
Grade 12 Course Selections
GISS Course Selection Presentation 2024-25

Homestay Links

Apply to be a Homestay Host
Homestay Questions and Answers
Province of BC Homestay Guidelines


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The Gulf Islands International Program acknowledges the unceded territory and the ancestors of Salt Spring Island, the Coast Salish First Nations peoples of Salt Spring and surrounding areas, who continue to use and steward these lands.

Website © 2025 Gulf Islands International Program | photos © 2017 johncameron.ca